Red Cross announces severe emergency blood shortage, calls on Americans to donate
ABC News • • business
Key Points:
- The American Red Cross has declared a severe emergency blood shortage due to hospital demand outpacing supply, with nearly one-third of blood stores depleted nationwide.
- Inclement winter weather has led to the cancellation of over 400 blood drives, and a moderately severe flu season has further reduced donor availability as people are either ill or caring for sick family members.
- Low blood supplies threaten the treatment of trauma patients, chemotherapy patients, and those with blood disorders such as sickle cell disease, prompting urgent calls for donations.
- Reihaneh Hajibeigi from Austin, Texas, shared her life-saving experience with blood transfusions after severe hemorrhaging post-childbirth, highlighting the critical importance of maintaining adequate blood supplies.
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